The Nonagon: Bulletin of the New Hampshire Numismatic Association

THE

NON AGON

FALL- 1981

NEW HAMPSHIRE NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION

Vol? XIX

NONA (JON

Fall 1981, P. 372

TRIBUTE TO SYLVESTER SAGE CROSBY, BORN SEPT. 2, 1831 IN CHARLESTOWN, N. H.

Contributed by RoberTl. Wester, Suncook, and dedicated to J.D. FERGUSON, hxs ANA sponsor

OBITUARY

Sylvester Sage Crosby

It would be exceedingly diffi-
cult to overstate the case for
the collector-student historian,
Sylvester Sage Crosby. Bom
Sept. 2, 1831, in Charlestown,
N.H., the last of 11 children of
the town’s longstanding Con-
gregational minister, he
learned watch making as a
profession, removing to Boston
in his twenties and establishing
himself there in that trade. A
collector since 1857, he became
in the years following the Civil
War an exceptional “amateur’'
authority on many facets of the
hobby, largely overshadowed
since by virtue of his monu-
mental contributions to the
early numismatic history of
America.

A founding member of the
New England Numismatic and
Archaeological Society from its
organization April 6, 1866, he
became that organization’s
first curator, m which position
he served for three years
before becoming a vice
president. A religious devotee
to the group’s monthly
meetings, he frequently
presided, invariably astounded
his fellows with an amazing
array of rare pieces in all

series, ancient and modem,
patterns and medals, Oriental
and European, and ultimately
was called upon to chair the
organization’s committee
charged with producing a
definitive study of American
Colonials.

From its inception in 1869,
the project appeared
star-crossed. One by one his
“committee” fell by the
wayside, leaving to him alone
the heavy burden of producing
the projected 10-part
compendium. He stuck to the
task with a fervor and
dedication, painstakingly
assembling background
material from both sides of the
Atlantic, engaging in active
correspondence with a host of
collectors, and devoting his
immense energies in
systematically examining his
own incomparable collection,
supplemented by specimens
from elsewhere. When
ultimately completed six years
later, the task compassed 12
numbers, illustrated by
superior plates and bearing
witness to his exemplary
scholarship and the heavy
burden-financial and
otherwise — he was forced to
bear. The completed work
electrified collectors, though
not financially successful.

His Early Coins of America
and companion epic on the
coppers of 1793, supplemented
by his investigations of the
Fugios, Sommer Islands and
other issues are monumental
achievements, making his
footsteps “a steep hill to
climb.” Elected a
corresponding member of the
American Numismatic Society
Apr 22, 1869, accorded a
resident membership in the
Boston Numismatic Society
J une 3, 1869, awarded honorary
memberships in the ANS
March 21, 1876 and in the
American Numismatic
Association Sept. 4, 1907,
elected to the latter’s “Hall of

Fame” in 1970, and selected as
the only American of the six
numismatic scholars whose
names were cut into the frieze
of the front facade of the 1930
addition to the ANS
headquarters, he made
numismatics a bright strand in
the fabric of man’s
achievements as an adjunct to
history. An avid amateur
archeologist and astronomer,
who pastimes included the
cultivation of mushrooms, he
died of “stomach” trouble at
his home in Cambridge, Mass.,
Aug. 18, 1914. A man for whom
numismatic artifacts were
“objects of his desire, solici-
tude and care.”

Shown below is a family
photo of the Cr sty's in
front of their Charlestown
N.H. home which burned in
1864. Sylvewter Sage Crosby
is standing, fifth from
the right in the back row.
His father died scon after
the fire.

Sylvester's first wife
died Oct. 26, 1874 and was
buried in the sane lot as
Sylvester and his 2nd wife.

See more excerpd from Wester's 20 page manuscript, result
on page 375 of this issue. See his exhibit on this subject at

of his extensive research/
Tri-State Exhibition.

N E 7? HAMPSHIRE BUMISSATIC ASSOCIATION

Vol • XU, Ko. 1 H 0 r A 0 0 H FALL. 1S01. P. 373

~ i ■ ■ ■ ■■

l.TTf OFFICERS ELECTED TRI-STATE COLLECTORS' EXHIBITION

AT AirrUAL MEET I KG OOT. 17-18 , COKCORD COMMUNITY CTR.

New .’iampehire Kixr.lsr.atic Association
officers elected March 30, 1981 are Fred
UcPhail, President, Keene; Paul Kojlo,
Nashua, 1st Vice president; Paul 1‘attatoni,
Chelr.sford, 2nd Vice President; secretary-
treasurer, James Rolston, Greenland; and
co. responding secretary- editor, Wayne Rich,
Concord.

Mrs. Yolande Dar.e, bourse chairman,
reported profit of {>1002. 13on the show
with 75J. going to the host Nashua Club and
25/’* to the NKNA. A donation of 050. was
receivec from auctior.efr Fred iicPh&il.

$75 was appropriated for New nempehire Day
pt the 1982 ANA Convention on Boston and
$75 for NKNA Lay at 1962 New England Nun-
isnatic Association Convention, Merrinac,
K.K.

The 26th annual Tri-State Collectors'
Exhibition is scheduled from 1C A to 9
P.M, Oct. 17 and Noon to 5 ?.V. Oct. 18 in
Concord Caciuunity Center, 39 Green St.,
Concord, K.K. I&r.y fine tronhies are offered
for exhibits of coins $ stamps, and curios.

Bourse chairman. Rod Paul, 20 Clihton
St., Concord, exoectstc have over 30 dealers
in coins and stamps etc. on hehd. There will
bo a loecial cachet and postmark for the
Tri-State Post? 1 Station with Vxs. Arthur
raur dough, 24 Bridge St., Fittsf . eld ,N.K. In
charge. The stattion will sell tack issues
of stamps at face.

Frod McPhail, Keane, will oonduct. an
auction of coins at 7 P. !. Saturday even ng,
Brochures with exhibit classes, scorecard,
etc. arc available from Gordon Kill, RFD,
Tilton. N. H. or Wayne S. Rich, Concord.

NENA 1EBAL DESIGN CONTEST

The New iiampshire Numismatic Assn, is
searching for a design for the reverse of
the 1982 New England Ninismatic Association
convention medal. Everyone is invited to
particiapate in a design contest. Artistic
ability ie not a necessity as the fudges

N.K.N.A. FALL MEETING OCT. 11

The Ff 11 meeting of New hamrshire Num-
ismatic Assn, will be held at the YLCA Senior
Center, 20 South Main St., Concord, K. H. on
a oi x icy is nox a necessity »= «-<«> Oct. 11 in conjunction *ith New Hampshire

will he loking primarily for the design idea. Collectors’ Club meeting which starts at 2P (.
Contest rules are as fbllows: ?her< will be a flea i arket where aryone may

b\y or sell coir. s , stamps , etc.

1. Submit entry on white paper, preferably

8 x 10 inches, placing your design in a 3 inch It is hored that heshuB Coin Clu . or
circle in the center of the paper. othor group will be ready with a bid for the

2. Use either pencil or plack ink to draw 1982 Spring show of HB'.* .
your design.

3. Design should include wording! "38TH •••••

NEKA CONFERENCE, LERKI-iACK, N.H. NOV. 12,13,

14, 1982."

4. Place your name and address on the
bottom of your entry-.

5. All entries must be received at NHKA,

P.0. Box 37, Greenland, K.K. 03840 Dec.

1, 1981.

6. Decision of Judges is final, subjedt
to aooroval by NENA Board of Directors.

Priies will be awarded so start on
your entry now before you forget.

• •• ••

SEND DUES TO NE7 TREASURER

NHHA dues of $1.00 per year may new
be sent to Treasurer James Rolston, Box 3t,
Greenland, !!.!!. 03840. An 7 beside your name
on the outside of Konagon indicates your
dues are r.ot up to date, .hny pay several
years at a time.

new engla.no numismatic association

19C1 NENA Convention is Dec. 11-13
at Sheraton i«artfo rt iiotel, Hartford, Conn .

Vol. XIX

NOH SOK

Fall 1981, P. 374

PRECIOUS METALS BILL SENT

TO INTERIM STUDY BY STATE

The New Hampshire House passed a bill
which would have required anyone selling
coins or any precious metal to be finger
printed. Dealers would have been required
to have a license from both state and local
community, hold the precious metal for 10
days, and keep detailed records available
to law enforcement and other officials.

A group of dealers formed the New
Hamoshire Precious Metals Association to
fight this legislation. Officers elected
weee President John Alward, Goffstown,

Vice President, Robert Lavoie, Manchester,
Secretary Pat Tropiano, Auburn; treasurer,
John Huff, ^alem. Directors, Bruce Breton,
Nashua, Wayne Rich, Concord, and Robert
Emond, Laconia plus the officers.

A lobbyist was hired by the association
to advise and assist in defeating the bill
in the Senate. Several members felt that
some sort of bill on this subject will be
passed eventually and that the right bill
would help to eliminate the fly-by-night
operators in motels who come from out of
state. Rich, who served in the N.H. House
for six years worked up a substitute bill
with advice and assistance of other PliA
members, which was presented at the Senate
hearing. NHNA President Fred McPhtil,

Dick Dolloff, Alward, Emond, Rich, and
several .others testified against the House
bill and presented the substitute bill
endorsed by N.H. Presious Metal' ' " sr .

The senate vote to sent the bill to
interim study is a tempoiary victory but
due to the work of the NH PMA New Hampshire
collectors and dealers are much better off
than in many state where stringent laws
have been passed. THe New liampshire Precious
Metals association would appreciate your
support in continuing efforts to oppose
the original House bill and support a
good bill . Thanks are due John Alward and
other officers and the many others who
turned out for the Senate hewring in their
support.

*****

Editor Wayne S. Rich, Box 391, Concord,
N.H. 03301 would apnreciate material for use

in future Nonagons,

NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION
REPORT BY JIM R0LST0N, DIRECTOR

The 37th Conference and Convention of
New England Numismatic Association Dec. 11-
Dec. 13 at Sheraton~ £i artford Hotel, Hartford,
Conn, will have 58 dealers iwith bourse
tables offering a wide selection of material.
Trophies are offered in many exhibit categor-
ies. President and General Chairman Sally
Kirka has planned many fun and educational
activities. Write her at 116 Oak St.,

Manchester , Conn, for more information on
exhibiting ofc other matters.

Paul F. Hojlo Jr.. Nashua, was elected
as New Hampshire State Director to fill out
Jim Rolstoh's term since he is now a regular
director slated to be 1982 President and
chairman of the 1982 NEVA Convention to be
held in Merrimack, N.H. at the new Sheraton
Hotel there, hosted by New Hampshire Num-
ismatic Association. Anyone who is willing
to assist Jim by serving on the com v ittee
for this event should contact him ajs Box 37,
Greenland, N.H. 03840.

***** ^

NUMISMATIC CALENDAR

Sept. 17-20, Nashua Mall, Exit 6 from
Everett Turnpile, big mall show, 20 dealers.

Sept, 19-20 Maine Numismatic Assn. Fall
Show, Holiday Inn, 88 Spring St., Portland,
across from Cumberland County Civic Center,
with bourse, exhibits, and auctions.

Sept. 27, 4th Sunday Show, Holiday Inn,

Exit 4 from Everett Turnpike, Nashua.

Oct. 1-3 Newington Mall, near Portsmouth.
Oct. 1, 1st Sunday Show, Holiday Inn, "

Oct. 11, 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. Jaffrey, N.H.
at John Kumistor. Post, 28 ’.Vebster St.

Oct. 17-18 TRISTATE COLLECTORS' Exhib-
ition, Concord Community Ctr, 39 Green St.
Bourse, exhibits, auction. Postal station.

Dec. 11-13 37th NENA Convention at
Sheraton-Hartford, iJ artford, Conn. V

Nov. 12,13, 14, 1982, 38th NENA
Convention, Sheraton Hotel, Merrimack, N.H.

Vol. XIX

N0HA003

Pall 1981, P. S^S

SYLVESTER SAGE CROSBY
1831-1914

Sylvester Sage Crosby, born Sept. 2, 1831, in Charlestown, H. H. w^s author of the
momrsental classic, "The Early Coins of America". Robert I. Hester, NKXA member, and
proud owner of the author's personal original proof copy of the book thought it would
be appropriate to recognise the 150th anniversary of the lirth of this outstanding N.H.
numismatist with artioles honoring him in the Numismatic press. A two page extract of
"tester's twenty page manuscript appears in the 8ept. 1981 Numismatist. We feel that
Wester's extensive research and information deserves a place in the EOEAGON.

Sylvester^s father, the Reverend Jaaztniah Crosby, born in Hebron^ N.H. Apr. 3, 1780
walked eighty miles to Phillips Exeter Academy to begin his education at age 18, paying
qll the expanses of his journey with three shillings and nine pence^ 62£g). After 2 years
at Ex»ter he entered Harvard, graduating in 1804. Ho became pastor in Charlestown in 1810
of the church later known as South Parish Unitarian Church. He married Anr.e Parker of
Wolfeboro, N.H. in 1811, who died a year and a half later following birth of a daughter
Elizabeth.

Nov. 13, 1814 Rev. Crosby married Huldah Robinson Sage, daughter of Rev. Sylvester
Sage of Yfestaninster , Yt. They had 10 children. The sixth child was named Sylvoster Sage
Crosby, but he died Apr. 7, 1825 at 13 months of age. Their ninth child, born Sept. 2,

1831 was also named Sylvester Sage Crosby in honor of his maternal grandfather, as it
was customary in those days to give the name of a child dying in infpntcy to a later child.
Harvard College conferred the degree. Doctor of Divinity, on Rev. Crosby in 1853. He
wrote "The Annals of Charlestown”, found in II. II. Historical Society collections.

Sylvester established a watchmaking business in Charlestown at the age of 17. Later
he joined other members of his family in Cambridge,!! ass. and established a watchmaking
and jewelry business at 43 West st, in fcoston. He married I.fery Elizabeth -apelle in
Charlestown, N. H. Sept. 1, 1855. A man of many interests, Bylvester cultivated
mushrooms, and enjoyed archaoolopy and astronomy. His Astronomers telescope was
presented to Proctor Acqdnny's observatory’ in Andover, N.H.

Appearing in the American Journal of Numismatics in April of 1869 was a masterly
and exhaustive article by Sylvost r Crosby on the "Cents of 1793". Later in 189 7 ,

"The United States Coinage of 1793 Cents and A1 elf ^ents" was published. However, his
"The Early Coins of America ".published in 1875 is the work which was most outstanding.

It was immediately recognized as the standard reference on American Cnlonial coins in
auction catalogs/ and it is still in denand today as a third reprinting in recent years
Indicates •

Sylvester received his honarary membership in The American numisr.etic Society on
uaroh 21, 1876 ain was honored apAin by that society in 1930 , being the only American
of six nanismatio scholars to have his name cut into the frieze of the front facade of
the society's new aduition. Tho American Nixnfcsmatio Association admitted him to
Honorary membership on Sept. 4, 190E and elected him. to the Numismatic Hall of Ume in
197Q. Dec. 20, 1908 the Boston Numismatic Society made him an honorary member.

Sylvester at one time owned a prooflike presentation chain cent of 1 7 93 know to
large cent collectors as "The Coin". He also purchased from the Dr. Charles Clay cc lect-
ion q Washington trial piece which cane fren th’ widow of I!r. Uncock, diecutter and
medalist from Birmingham, England, a piece which proved the origin of the 1 7 91
Washington oents. Of all the prized coins in Sylvester's cabinet, the 1 7 83 1000 Mill
patern dollar, America’s first, is the one Sylvester was an-ereetly extremely < ‘ond of.

It is embossed in gold on th" cover of the Jorocco bound presentation cory of his
JThe Early Coins of /.merica".

Sylvester died Aug. 18, 1914 and was buried in Lexington, Hass, with his second
wife. llshitabie Ackers Crosby. 1832 - 1907. Surviving "®re a niece and nephew.

1IVH SSYIO ISHIJ

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